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Herding breeds: Collie
Origin
Long ago, as far back as the history of dogs, Collies have been used for herding in Scotland and Northern England. In the 1800s, the rough dog was known commonly as the "shepherd's dog" and the smooth variety as a "ban dog." The rough was significantly smaller than the breed we recognize today, as well as being black and white in color. Queen Victoria kept the rough variety at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. The breed's popularity increased considerably because of this. The standard was fixed at that time, and so the Collies from that period markedly resemble those today.
Although many Americans used the Collies as herding dogs, it was not until 1877 that they appeared in the show ring of the Westminster Kennel Club. The following year, two of Queen Victoria's dogs were entered, and the popularity grew here in the United States.
This breed has had many famous dogs as its representative. Albert Payson Terhune wrote volumes on "Lad: A Dog." "Lassie" then brought the breed fame on television.
General description
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-75 pounds
Color: Sable and white, tri-color (black, white, and tan), blue merle (blue-gray, black, and white), white with sable, tri-color, or blue merle markings.
Two varieties
The collie comes in two varieties, the longhaired Rough and the shorthaired Smooth.
 The Rough variety has a long thick coat that is abundant and well textured. It is thick and flowing except on the head and legs. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch. The undercoat, however, is soft, furry and so close together that it is difficult to see the skin when the hair is parted.
The Smooth variety has a short, hard, dense, flat coat, with an bounty of undercoat.
Grooming requirements
The Rough Collie requires daily brushing. The Smooth requires less brushing but still requires weekly brushing. Other general care is ear cleaning and nail trimming. The Rough will require a slicker brush and a metal comb in order to properly groom him. Problem areas are the ear, hind quarters, bib and neck. The grooming demands of the Rough Coated Collie are large. You must remain attentive to their grooming regime, for matting is a fact of life they cannot control. Their skin is susceptible to rashes if they are left unattended in grooming for too long. The Smooth will need a coat rake for best results. Both varieties can also experience diarrhea when they become nervous. This is the best reason to have your Collie groomed often, so the process is less stressful, and to socialize them as well.
Health considerations
This breed is prone to Dermatomyositis (an autoimmune skin disorder), depigmented ulcerated lesions of the nose, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and toxicity from ivermectin-based heartworm prevention.
Breed characteristics and personality
This beautiful, elegant, loyal, and affectionate dog makes an excellent companion. They are an ideal family dog and have a special affinity for small children. Lithe, strong, responsive, and active, standing straight and firm, impressively proud, and harmonious in proportion, the Collie makes a devoted guardian. This breed has enjoyed extraordinary popularity.
The Smooth type is typically more energetic and aggressive and exhibits tendencies of fear biting, snapping, roaming, restlessness, irritability and timidity.
Daily exercise is a must. A house with fenced yard is highly recommended as it is instinctual for the Collie to chase cars, bicycles, and joggers. This breed needs to be socialized. If they are not, they can experience nervous diarrhea when in an unknown place or situation. Many Collies are also excessive barkers.
Uses
The Collie makes for a terrific cattle and sheep drover and herder. The Collie does well in obedience and agility and is an excellent family dog.
Web links
AKC Collie page
Collie Club of America
The Collie Club of New England
Collie Club of Canada
Collie Club of Georgia
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